Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) is a health-education message used in HIV campaigns. It means that if an HIV-positive person has an undetectable HIV viral load, they cannot sexually transmit HIV to others. U=U is supported by numerous health groups and organisations worldwide, including the World Health Organization. The validity of U=U has been proven through many clinical trials involving thousands of couples. U=U is also an important concept in HIV prevention. This approach to HIV prevention is known as treatment as prevention.
HINT:
In this Dossier
- ⭐ Core Definition: Undetectable = Untransmittable
- Undetectable = Untransmittable in the context of HIV/AIDS
Undetectable = Untransmittable in the context of HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to a spectrum of conditions including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is a preventable disease. It can be managed with treatment and become a manageable chronic health condition. While there is no cure or vaccine for HIV, antiretroviral treatment can slow the course of the disease, and, if used before significant disease progression, can extend the life expectancy of someone living with HIV to a nearly standard level. An HIV-positive person on treatment can expect to live a normal life, and die with the virus, not of it. Effective treatment for HIV-positive people (people living with HIV) involves a life-long regimen of medicine to suppress the virus, making the viral load undetectable.
Treatment is recommended as soon as the diagnosis is made. An HIV-positive person who has an undetectable viral load as a result of long-term treatment has effectively no risk of transmitting HIV sexually. Campaigns by UNAIDS and organizations around the world have communicated this as Undetectable = Untransmittable.
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